Title Transfers in New Jersey

What is a Title Transfer?

Your title serves as your legal proof of vehicle ownership. When your vehicle changes hands, you must transfer the title within 10 business days from the day of sale. Failure to do so will result in a $25 penalty. Common situations for title transfers include:

Selling or buying a vehicle

Death in a family

Inheriting a vehicle

Donating a vehicle

Changing a name

Selling a Vehicle

When selling a vehicle, you do not want results of a vehicle history report to contradict what you tell a potential buyer and damage your credibility. Ordering a vehicle history report will ease the selling process by guiding you toward a reasonable asking price and keeping your expectations in check.

Sign the backside of the title, inserting the buyer's name and address, date of sale, odometer reading, and sale price. Then give the title to the buyer.

NOTE: For confirmation purposes, it's always wise to include a bill of sale in all transactions.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

The dealer will handle the title transfer paperwork.

If you have yet to begin searching for a new car, you can save gas and time by shopping online.

Used Cars

Many factors come into play when you're in the market for a used car, with affordability, in most cases, being the top benchmark. Given the magnitude of the purchase, you should consider all available auto finance options, before settling on a plan. The next step will be to focus on insurance. If you're unsure of how to proceed, you can compare rates at our Insurance Center.

And finally, before signing your name to anything, be sure to order a Vehicle History Report on the car you're considering.

After signing, you'll need to:

Sign the back of the title and include your driver license number.

Visit your local MVC Agency with the signed title, proof of insurance and sales tax payment.

Removing a Lien

Here's what to do:

Get a notarized statement on your lending institution's letterhead declaring that you paid off your loan. Make sure the letter is dated, signed by an authorized lending officer and includes your name, car make, model and vehicle identification number. In most instances, this will be sent to you without prodding on your behalf.

Donating a Vehicle

To receive a full tax credit on your donated car, you may want seek advice from a tax attorney.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Because of the sometimes complicated nature of these situations, consulting a probate attorney is always a wise choice. You will be given a 30 days, following the date of death, to transfer the title in your name at any MVC location.

For the transfer to take place:

The executor of the estate will need to provide the old title and a Surrogate's Short Certificate.

The executor will pay the $60 title fee. If you want to transfer the registration to an immediate family member at that time, the MVC will charge $4.50 to do so.

Don't forget you'll also need insurance for the car. If you don't have a carrier, you can compare rates at our Insurance Center.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

Identification that complies with the "ID Verification Program" 6 points.

A marriage certificate, or a divorce decree, or a court order verifying your name change.

To curb any potential identification confusion when attempting to change your name on your driver's license, for example, consider ordering a vital record. For more information, visit our section on Changing Your Name.